Zeph 3.14-18a; Phil 4.4-7; Lk 3.10-18

• This Third Sunday of Advent is also called “Gaudete” Sunday, and there is an option of having rose as a liturgical color. Rose is a color of joy. “Gaudete” means “Rejoice”, which is a quotation from Phil. 4:4-5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near”.

• The Church would like to emphasize that our eager waiting for Jesus during this advent season is characterized by happiness. A Christian, in spite of believing that we are in a “valley of tears”, nevertheless preserves his cheerfulness. Why?

• Because the Lord is near! The Lord is always near. There is never any reason to give in to sadness or dejection. If we find ourselves getting sad, remember the presence of the Lord and remember His love for you, and fight off that sadness.

Pro-Life Intercession

That the Lord who comes to bring liberty and justice may inspire us to secure protection for our unborn brothers and sisters, we pray to the Lord...